Ondo State is stepping up efforts to make childbirth safer, with Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa declaring that no woman should lose her life while giving birth.
The state government has announced expanded maternal-health interventions, including free Caesarean sections at government-owned hospitals, regular antenatal care and free delivery kits for pregnant women, with particular attention to those from vulnerable households.
Free C-Sections, Delivery Kits
The Chief Medical Director of the University of Medical Sciences Teaching Hospital, Ondo, Prof. Michael Gbala, who represented the governor, announced the measures during the ‘Ibi-Irorun’ Safe Delivery Sensitisation Initiative and distribution of pregnancy kits to expectant mothers.
Gbala said the programme formed part of the government’s wider investment in maternal healthcare, with the goal of helping mothers and babies survive pregnancy and childbirth safely.
He urged pregnant women to use public health facilities and attend antenatal clinics regularly.
Under the intervention, women who require Caesarean sections at government-owned facilities can access the procedure free of charge, according to the state government.
Warning Over Pregnancy Complications
Gbala also warned pregnant women against ignoring symptoms associated with pre-eclampsia and eclampsia, potentially serious complications linked to high blood pressure during pregnancy.
Women experiencing symptoms such as:
- Severe headaches
- Blurred or double vision
- Difficulty breathing
- Upper-abdominal pain
were advised to seek medical attention immediately.
The CMD also discouraged self-medication, stressing that early detection and appropriate treatment can prevent serious complications and save lives.
He further advised expectant mothers to avoid unqualified birth attendants and instead use primary, secondary and tertiary healthcare facilities.
Government Highlights Health-Sector Investment
Gbala said the administration had also invested in healthcare infrastructure, improved the welfare of medical workers and strengthened healthcare services across the state.
According to him, those measures had contributed to reversing the movement of medical personnel away from Ondo.
He said the state had begun attracting doctors and nurses from neighbouring states, including Osun, Ekiti and Ogun, describing the development as an indication of improved conditions within the health sector.
Free Delivery Kits for Vulnerable Women
Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Dr Seun Osamaye, said the ‘Ibi-Irorun’ programme combines maternal-health education with practical support for women preparing for childbirth.
She stressed that the delivery materials provided under the initiative were free and should not be sold.
Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Kayode Kolawole, said the intervention was also intended to ease the financial pressure associated with childbirth, particularly for women from vulnerable households.
He encouraged beneficiaries to take the kits with them when they go to hospital for delivery.
More Than 500 Women Benefit
The sensitisation programme had earlier been held at the Primary Comprehensive Health Centre, Arakale, Akure, where more than 500 pregnant women reportedly received free pregnancy kits and participated in the awareness activities.
Speaking for the beneficiaries, Mrs Ogundayomi Ayomiposi thanked Governor Aiyedatiwa and his wife, Esther Oluwaseun Aiyedatiwa, for supporting pregnant women through the initiative.
The state government says the broader objective is clear: make pregnancy safer, reduce preventable maternal and infant deaths, and give more women access to the care they need before, during and after childbirth.
